Green Reconstruction of the Residential Sector of Bucha

by Berlin Economics, Centre for Environmental Initiatives “Ecoaction” and iC Consulenten

Should we rebuild as it was or follow the principle of “Build Back Better” and implement EU requirements for the highest energy efficiency standards? What kind of investments will Ukrainian municipalities need for residential recovery projects and what are the payback periods?

In the study “Green Reconstruction of the Residential Sector of Bucha” implemented by the research and consulting company Berlin Economics  and the Center for Environmental Initiatives “Ecoaction”, we found answers to these questions.

According to the study, the cost of reconstructing the damaged housing stock in Bucha to pre-invasion levels is estimated at EUR 106 million. With an additional investment of €108 million, the damaged buildings can be restored to meet minimum energy efficiency requirements, while modernization to the Near Zero standard would require an additional €212 million. Thus, the total cost of energy-efficient reconstruction of the damaged buildings in the city ranges between EUR 214 and EUR 318 million.

However, such large investment needs will lead to significant energy savings as a result of energy efficiency improvements: 45% for the minimum requirements scenario compared to the baseline and 74% for the Near Zero scenario, with annual natural gas savings of up to 14.2 million cubic meters (for both individual and district heating) and CO2 emissions reductions of up to 31,447 tons per year.

In addition, energy-efficient reconstruction will help create 350 to 690 jobs, save a huge amount of energy and resources that the community can effectively use for its own sustainable development.